It’s Getting Hot In Here: Japanese Execs Shed Their Clothes To Save Energy

It’s summer, and in the world’s most heavily-populated cities, that means scorching heat and soaring energy bills.

In Japan, the government has launched its annual “Super Cool Biz” campaign to encourage businesses and executives to curb their high-cost air conditioning use.

The campaign encourages professionals to save electricity by wearing Hawaiian shirts, T-shirts and sandals to work instead of the usual stuffy three-piece suits.

In light of the damage caused by the March earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese government is also pushing businesses to set their thermostats to 82 degrees Fahrenheit to help cut the country’s energy usage by 15 percent.

In addition to the nuclear crisis at Fukushima, many of Japan’s coal and gas power plants were seriously damaged, making energy a precious commodity until repairs can be made.

As you might expect, some of the more traditional Japanese businessmen are shocked by the idea that one might conduct business with one’s toes and elbows flapping in the breeze.

For clothing companies, however, a large participation in the campaign would be most welcome. It’s estimated that swapping a suit for a “Super Cool Biz” wardrobe will cost the average salaryman $210.

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Clara, even if they are not perceived as casual, when it comes to group effort to help the greater good, Japan is the leader on the planet. All are willing to sacrifice.

If the situation arises that a suit is needed, they will make the appropriate accommodation for it, such as making the meeting at a cooler place, or putting on the business casual. The thought of meeting a stuffed sweaty suit doesn't appeal to a client.